Wrapping implement

ABSTRACT

A wrapping implement is mounted to a rear location of a large round baler with connections permitting its quick attachment to, and detachment from, the baler. The wrapping implement includes a guidance ring that is essentially oriented vertically for guiding at least one wrapping material carrier about its periphery. The baler is equipped with a bale conveyor that receives a bale discharged from the baling chamber and transfers the bale to a bale carrier mounted to the guidance ring. The carrier supports and effects or permits the rotation of the supported cylindrical bale, where during the wrapping process the axis of rotation of the cylindrical bale extends perpendicular to the central axis of the circle of movement of the wrapping material carrier.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention concerns a wrapping implement for the enveloping ofa cylindrical bale with a run of enveloping material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] DE 196 54 982 A1 discloses a wrapping arrangement for a smallbale of grass or straw that can be attached to a vehicle and wraps smallbales, having either a circular or a rectangular cross section, withfoil. For this purpose, the small bales are lined up in the form of aqueue, aligned with each other with their end faces, but may also bewrapped individually. It is not apparent how the small bales are broughtinto this position and it seems that these small bales are of a smalldiameter.

[0003] DE 40 21 307 A1 reveals a large baler with a comparable wrappingarrangement for slab-shaped bales that are conducted to the wrappingarrangement in the same way and wrapped by it.

[0004] Another embodiment of a large round baler combined with awrapping arrangement is revealed by US 5822967 A1, in which indeed tworolls with wrapping material rotate about a vertical axis and thecylindrical bale can be rotated about a horizontal axis during thewrapping process. An arm to take up the wrapping arrangement extendsconsiderably beyond the large round baler, even in a non-operatingposition, which is not conducive to permitting good maneuverability.Furthermore, the rotating arms with the rolls must be brought to theside in a non-operating position during each loading and unloadingprocess of the large round baler.

[0005] EP 1 210 861 A2 is a large round baler with a wrappingarrangement attached at the rear that can be removed for a non-operatingcondition. During operation, however, the combination provides a greatlength of the entire vehicle train.

[0006] EP 1 050 207 A2 discloses a bale wrapping arrangement, in theform of a trailer, that can be coupled behind an agricultural tractor,and raises cylindrical bales lying on the ground by means of a fork to awrapping table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The problem underlying the invention is seen in the fact that thecombination of a known large round baler with a wrapping arrangementthat is also known always leads to an extended vehicle train.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a novelbale wrapping implement for being mounted to large round baler.

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a bale wrappingimplement which is designed such that an unduly long combined implementdoes not result when it is mounted to the rear of a large round baler.More specifically, there is provided a bale wrapping implement, whereinthe guidance ring for supporting the wrapping material supply roll orrolls is oriented in a near vertical plane.

[0010] In this way, the wrapping implement can be held relatively shortin the extent of its length and is appropriate for its operation as anattachment to a large round baler, as well as a free-standing implement,that is either equipped with a loading arrangement or is loaded by meansof a front loader or the like. The pulley or the roll can be configuredas smooth, with conveyer bridges or configured in some other manner inorder to attain the rotating movement of the cylindrical bale or toincrease it. The run of enveloping material is predominantly a stretchfoil that is appropriate for improving the silage process. It issufficient if either the pulley or the roll is driven in order to bringthe cylindrical bale into rotation where the rotational speed ispreferably variable. The pulley and the roll may be arranged together onthe carrier; however, the roll can be attached independently of thecarrier, for example, in the guidance ring or provided in a conveyorassociated with the wrapping implement.

[0011] If the carrier can be repositioned relative to the guidance ring,it is possible to bring the cylindrical bale into various positionsrelative to it. This also makes it possible to deposit the cylindricalbale on the ground or even to lift it up.

[0012] The wrapping implement can be positioned in a stationary locationon the ground in order to remain in a non-operating position or to beoperated. In the non-operating position, the carrier can also be usedfor retaining. If operation is to be performed with the guidance ringset down, or the guidance ring is to be stabilized, it is useful toprovide another support. The support may selectively be adjustable inlength, in a known manner, and/or it may be repositioned by outsideforce.

[0013] The use of a buttress on the carrier provides the advantage thatthe cylindrical bale does not fall off the carrier during arepositioning of the carrier, for example, for the unloading of thecylindrical bale, which otherwise could possibly occur if the spacingbetween the pulley and the roll should change.

[0014] A circulating movement of the wrapping material carrier along acircular path can be generated by the guidance ring if it is providedwith a rotating ring that can be rotated by a motor in a slottedguidance housing. The wrapping material carrier conventionally is aspool, supported in bearings, free to rotate, on which hundreds orthousands of meters of stretch foil or the like are wrapped. For theguidance ring, one or more wrapping material carriers may be provided.The slot in the guidance housing may be provided on a radially inner, aswell as a radially outer, side of the guidance housing, that is, also ona forward or a rear end face. By the same token, an Omega-shaped orHat-shaped profile could be used, the essential thing is only that thering is guided and can accommodate at least one wrapping materialcarrier. On the other hand, the guidance housing can also be enclosed bya wrapping material carrier that then moves as on a rail or along apipe, rod or the like. The movement can be produced by means of a ropepull, a chain or by means of a friction drive or a gear motor. Thevelocity of the wrapping material carrier may be constant as well asvariable, and may conform, for example, to the number of wrappingmaterial carriers used.

[0015] In order for the cylindrical bale to be held, on the one hand, bya carrier, and on the other hand, be enclosed, trouble free, byenveloping material, the carrier is equipped with a frame or configuredas a frame, that leaves an interior space through which the wrappingmaterial carrier can be moved during the wrapping operation.Accordingly, the components of the frame, such as transverse andlengthwise struts, are located outside the path of movement of thewrapping material carriers. The frame may always be configured in thatway or it may be arranged in that way only for the wrapping operation.The frame is not necessarily a closed structure; a fork-shaped or otherconfiguration can also be considered, as long as it guarantees that thecylindrical bale is carried safely.

[0016] If the guidance ring is to be transportable, and if necessary,can be attached to another implement, this can be accomplished basicallyas a permanent attachment or be difficult to remove. However, assemblytime can be saved and flexibility can be increased if the guidance ringor quick connection devices are provided, such as hooks, couplings, pinconnections, etc. Elements that are advantageous and reliable include,for example, elements that are used for the attachment of tools to frontloaders or three-point implement hitches. Analogously, the wrappingimplement could also be attached to a front loader and be easilytransported. Similarly, the connection at the outlet of a large roundbaler or another type of baler is possible that produces, for example,slab-shaped bales.

[0017] The cylindrical bale or basically any bale can be deposited onvarious surfaces, for example, its circumferential surface or one of itsend faces. The deposit on an end face has the advantage that thecylindrical bale does not roll away when deposited on a slope. Such adeposit can be attained if the carrier is attached to the guidance ringat its circumferential direction so as to be repositioned, and therebychanges the inclination of the longitudinal center line of thecylindrical bale during the deposit process, until it is tilted onto itsend face.

[0018] In an alternative way, the bale can be deposited on its end faceif the carrier can be adjusted vertically relative to the guidance ring,in particular pivoted.

[0019] Particularly with cylindrical bales with a small diameter, anejection sleeve provides the assurance that the cylindrical bale doesnot remain in the interval between the pulley and the roll when thecarrier is moved for the deposit of the cylindrical bale. This ejectionsleeve is brought into contact with the cylindrical bale as soon as thecylindrical bale is to leave its wrapping position. This can beperformed at that time and to that degree that the carrier isrepositioned, that is, it depends on this. It can also be performed bymeans of a pusher or the like that can act upon the cylindrical baleunder the control of outside force.

[0020] An actuating arrangement may be flexible if it is supported, forexample, by a gas spring or a mechanical spring or by a pressurizedmedium such as oil or air escapes while being throttled by valves, etc.This flexibility has the advantage that the impact of an oncomingcylindrical bale is damped and that either a free-standing wrappingimplement remains standing safely or that an attached wrapping implementdoes not transmit excessive forces to the connections.

[0021] If the rotational speed of the pulley or the roll can be varied,either manually or automatically, the number and the overlap of thelayers on the cylindrical bale can be varied or maintained at a constantvalue in case of a failure of a wrapping material carrier. Difficultconditions at the beginning or the end of the wrapping process can alsobe considered.

[0022] The repositioning of the location of the pulley makes it possibleto position the bale that is to be wrapped correctly on the carrier, aswell as to assure that it lies on the carrier at the correct angle andthereby, safely. The repositioning is performed preferably by means ofstepper motors and automatically, but can be performed in a simpleversion by means of a perforated rail or perforated plate or by means ofa clamping arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawing is several embodiments of the invention that shall bedescribed in greater detail in the following.

[0024]FIG. 1 is a schematic left side view of a combination of a largeround baler and a wrapping implement according to a first embodimentwith a conveyor.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the wrapping implement of the combinationaccording FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a schematic left side view of the large round balerwithout the wrapping implement.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a schematic left side view of the wrapping implementdetached from the large round baler.

[0028]FIG. 5 is the combination according to FIG. 1 during the transferof a cylindrical bale from the large round baler to the wrappingimplement.

[0029]FIG. 6 is the combination according to FIG. 1 during the wrappingof the cylindrical bale in the wrapping implement.

[0030]FIG. 7 is the combination according to FIG. 1 during the ejectionof a cylindrical bale from the wrapping implement.

[0031]FIG. 8 is the large round baler of the combination according toFIG. 1 with the conveyor and without the wrapping implement during theejection of a cylindrical bale.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a schematic left side view of a combination of a largeround baler with a wrapping implement according to a second embodimentwith a conveyor.

[0033]FIG. 10 is the combination according to FIG. 9 in a transfercondition of the conveyor.

[0034]FIG. 11 is the combination according to FIG. 9 during a wrappingoperation.

[0035]FIG. 12 is the combination according to FIG. 9 during theunloading of a cylindrical bale.

[0036]FIG. 13 is a schematic left side view of a combination of a largeround baler with a wrapping implement according to a third embodimentwith a conveyor and a pivoted carrier.

[0037]FIG. 14 is a rear view of the wrapping implement according to FIG.13.

[0038]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the wrapping implement of thecombination according to FIG. 13.

[0039]FIG. 16 is a side view of the combination according to FIG. 13during the delivery of a cylindrical bale.

[0040]FIG. 17 is a rear view of the wrapping implement according to FIG.13 during the delivery of the cylindrical bale.

[0041]FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of a combination of a large roundbaler with a wrapping implement according to a fourth embodiment with aconveyor and a pivoted carrier.

[0042]FIG. 19 is a rear view of the wrapping implement of thecombination according to FIG. 18 during the delivery of the cylindricalbale.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a combination 10 of alarge round baler 12 and a wrapping implement 14.

[0044] The large round baler 10 is preferably configured according toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/281,475, filed 25 Oct. 2002, whosedisclosure is hereby incorporated herein. Basically the large roundbaler 10 may, however, be of any conventional configuration with a fixedor a variable baling chamber and may be applied in agriculture as wellas in industrial operation. For this purpose, the large round baler 10is provided with a frame 16, a chassis 18, baling elements 20, a balingchamber 22, a supply arrangement 24, and a conveyor 26.

[0045] The frame 16 is formed by a welded and/or bolted assembly thatends at the front in a towbar 28, is connected at the bottom with thechassis 18, and is provided at the rear with upper and lower connectingpoints 30, 32. The frame 16 includes side walls 34 that are notdescribed in any further detail. The side walls 34 form opposite sidesof a baling chamber 22. In the region of the upper connecting point 30on each side of the frame 16, there is a hook element 76 that opensupwardly and is pivotally mounted for being repositioned by an actuatingarrangement 78.

[0046] The chassis 18 can be configured in a tandem axle configurationwith two axles 36, as shown, or it may be provided with only a singlesprung or unsprung axle 36 that carries a wheel on each side. Thechassis 18 is located underneath the baling chamber 22 and is offset tothe rear of it.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the baling elements 20 are configured asendless, flexible tensioning means, for example, as belts, bands, barchains, etc., and generally surround, and thereby define, thecircumference of the baling chamber 22. The baling elements 20 areconducted over rolls 38, whose position is in part rigid and in partmovable. The use of rolls 38 that are movable in their attachmentresults in a baling chamber 22 of variable size. The movable rolls 38are engaged by pivoted arms, in a way not shown, and repositioned as afunction of operating condition. In the forward region of the balingchamber 22 facing the supply arrangement 24, the baling elements 20leave an inlet 40, through which crop to be baled can be conveyed intothe baling chamber 22. In the rear lower region of the baling chamber22, an outlet 42 is formed when the corresponding rolls 38 are raisedwith the baling elements 20 and thereby open the baling chamber 22.

[0048] The baling chamber 22 is variable in its size, since the balingelements 20 are flexible. Instead of that, a baling chamber 22 could beformed whose size is invariable and that is surrounded, for example, byrolls or bands on axes that are unchangeable in their location. Thebaling chamber 22 is oriented in such a way that a cylindrical bale 44contained in it rotates about a horizontal, central, cylindrical axisthat extends transverse to the direction of operation.

[0049] In this embodiment, the supply arrangement 24 contains a take-updevice 46 in the form of a so-called pick-up that is followed by aconveying arrangement 48, if necessary configured as a cuttingarrangement, in order to grasp crop to be baled that is lying on theground and convey it through the inlet 40 into the baling chamber 22,where it is formed into a cylindrical bale 44.

[0050] As is illustrated in FIG. 5, the conveyor 26 is provided with aframe 50, a conveying table 52, a guide arrangement 54, a firstactuating arrangement 56, and a second actuating arrangement 58. Theassignment of the conveyor 26 consists of taking up a cylindrical bale44 delivered by the baling chamber 22 and to either convey it to thewrapping arrangement 14 or to deposit it on the ground.

[0051] The frame 50 is configured as a two-piece component and includesa slide 60, with rolls 62, that is connected in a bearing 64 with apivoting frame 66 so as to pivot vertically. The slide 60 with its rolls62 is engaged in the guide arrangement 54 and can be moved inclined tothe ground in the direction of operation. The rolls 62 are attached tothe slide 60 in such a way that they are still retained in the guidearrangement 54 in each end position of the slide 60. In a simplifiedconfiguration, guide shoes or the like may also be provided in place ofthe rolls 62.

[0052] The conveying table 52 contains at least two rolls 68 that arespaced from each other at a distance of less than the diameter of acompleted cylindrical bale 44 and are mounted, free to rotate, on thepivoting frame 66. In the preferred embodiment, an endless, flexibleband 70 is slung over the rolls 68 that bridges the spacing between therolls 68 and sags to a small amount. Fundamentally, such a band 70 isnot required, and in its place, further rolls could be provided in casethat the spacing is then to be bridged. An axis of rotation 72 of theroll 68 facing the wrapping implement 14 is used simultaneously as abearing 64. On the side of the pivoting frame 66 facing away from thewrapping implement 14, a further roll 74 is provided alongside the roll68 that is remote from the axis of rotation 72. The roll 74 may beprovided with a smaller diameter than the remaining rolls 68 and isoffset relative to a plane through the axes of rotation of the rolls 68so that a trough shape results in the shape of the conveying table 52.The conveying table 52 can occupy a lower end position inclined forwardand downward (see FIG. 5 in dashed lines), in which the cylindrical bale44 is accepted from the baling chamber 22, and an upper end positioninclined upward and to the rear (see FIG. 5 in solid lines), in which itcan deliver the cylindrical bale 44 into the wrapping implement 14. Therolls 68 may be configured as free to rotate or may be driven. In thepreferred embodiment, the rear roll 38 is driven, for example, by meansof a hydraulic motor.

[0053] In the simplest case, the guidance arrangement 54 consists of twoU-shaped rails extending parallel to the longitudinal center plane ofthe large round baler 12 that can be bolted to the frame 16 of the largeround baler 12 and that are open toward its longitudinal center plane.The guidance arrangement 54 extends at a small inclination of, forexample, 30° from the ground upward and to the rear, and extends abovethe rear axle 36. The interior of the guidance arrangement 54 isappropriate to take up the rolls 38, free to rotate. The guidancearrangement 54 is configured in such a way that it still safely guidesthe slide 60 even in the operating condition according to FIG. 8. Forthis purpose, one-piece rails could be used, that for example, can betilted about a horizontal bearing by means of a further actuatingarrangement, not shown, if this should be necessary. In the preferredembodiment, the rails are configured, in particular, as can be seen inFIG. 8. According to that, the rails are two-piece components andcontain a joint 116 above the rear axle 36 that connects both sectionswith each other so as to pivot vertically. If necessary, a sectiondeveloping during the pivoting can be bridged by means of a curvedpiece. In this way it is possible that the slide 60 again slidesdownward after the cylindrical bale 44 is raised over the rear axle 36and deposits the cylindrical bale 44 gently on the ground.

[0054] The first actuating arrangement 56 is configured as adouble-acting hydraulic motor having its cylinder end pivotallyconnected to the frame 16 of the large round baler 12 and having its rodend pivotally connected to the slide 60. The orientation of the firstactuating arrangement 56 is selected in such a way that its change inlength produces a repositioning of the slide 60 in the guidancearrangement 54. The first actuating arrangement 56 is controlled bymeans of electromagnetically controlled valves preferably from anon-board computer or manually. The stroke of the first actuatingarrangement 56 is sufficient to move the slide 60 in both directionsover the entire length of the guidance arrangement 54.

[0055] The second actuating arrangement 58 is also configured as ahydraulic motor, however, it is single-acting. The second actuatingarrangement 58 has its head end pivotally to the slide 60 and has itsrod end pivotally connected to the pivoting frame 66 of the conveyingtable 52. The second actuating arrangement 58 is used to pivot thepivoting frame 66 out of its lower end position, if necessary with thecylindrical bale 44 lying on it, into its upper end position, and tolower it under control on the basis of the force of gravity. The secondactuating arrangement 58 is also controlled electrically and preferablyby means of an on-board computer.

[0056] Fundamentally, the two actuating arrangements 56, 58 could alsobe operated mechanically, electrically or pneumatically.

[0057] At this state of the description, it will be appreciated that theconveying table 52 could perform without the attached wrapping implement14. According to FIG. 8, only the large round baler 12 is provided,which holds the conveying table 52 at the outlet side of the balingchamber 22. As soon as the baling elements 20 and the rolls 38 carryingthem are raised in order to open the baling chamber 22, the cylindricalbale 44 can leave it and fall onto the conveying table 52, which canalso be seen in FIG. 5. The conveying table 52 is then operated to movethe bale 44 to the rear over the axle 36 and slides downward on thesection of the guidance arrangement 54 that is tilted downward, aftercrossing one-half of the path, in order to deposit the cylindrical bale44 on the ground.

[0058] In the preferred embodiments, the wrapping implement 14 isconfigured as an independent unit, that can be connected to the largeround baler 12 in a quick assembly method without the use of tools. Thewrapping implement 14 can also be configured in such a way, which is notshown, that it can be attached to a front loader or a rear loader, atelehandler, a three-point implement hitch or the like in order to beeasily removable. As can best be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the wrappingimplement 14 includes a guidance ring 80, a carrier 82, at least onewrapping material carrier 84, a third actuating arrangement 86, and asupport 88.

[0059] The guidance ring 80 has a circular cross section that is almostcompletely closed, but remains open only for a slot, not shown ordescribed in any further detail, in a guidance housing 108. In theinstalled condition of the wrapping implement 14, the guidance ring 80assumes an upright position of nearly 90° to the ground and is carriedby the frame 16 of the large round baler 12. In place of a nearly closedcross section, an Omega profile or the like could be used. In the upperone-fourth of the guidance ring 80, a retainer 90 is provided at theguidance housing 108 that can be grasped by the hook element 76 at theframe 16 and that is configured, for example, as a pin or the like. Theguidance ring 80 or the guidance housing 108 is provided with a diameterthat permits the cylindrical bale 44 to pass without any change in itsorientation, so that is can be deposited on the carrier 82. In theguidance housing 108, a ring 110 is located that is preferably closedand that can rotate in the guidance housing 108. The ring 110 is moved,in particular, by means of a hydraulically driven motor 112 that makescontact with the ring 110 through an opening in the guidance housing108. The drive of the motor 112 is performed either by a positivelocking connection, for example, a rack, pinion or through a frictionlocking connection, for example, friction wheel, and transmitted to thering 110. In this embodiment, the motor 112 is located and protected inthe lower region of the guidance housing 108 and is brought into motionby means of electromagnetically controlled valves, where the controlsignals again may originate from an on-board computer. Indeed, the motor112, or several like motors, may be attached to other locations of theguidance housing 108, which depends on the spacial possibilities andenvironmental conditions (incidence of dirt, mechanical effects). Themovement of the ring 110 within the guidance housing 108 can proceedwith little friction if guide rolls, not shown, or the like support andguide the ring 110. The ring 110 may consist of metal as well as aplastic. Nearly at the lower end of the guidance housing 108, couplingelements 114 are provided at its front side for engagement with thelower connecting points 32 on the baler frame 16.

[0060] The carrier 82 includes a frame 92, a roll 94, and a side panel96. The carrier 82 is required to carry the cylindrical bale 44 duringthe wrapping process and to rotate it about its cylinder axis or toengage it, free to rotate. After the wrapping process, the carrier 82 isrequired to deposit the wrapped cylindrical bale 44 on the ground. Thecarrier 82 is located at the lower one-fourth or one-fifth of theguidance ring 80.

[0061] As can be seen in FIG. 2 the frame 92 is provided with atransverse strut 98 and lengthwise struts 100 in a horizontal position.The transverse strut 98 is located at such a distance from the guidancering 80 that the wrapping material carrier 84 can be moved through theinterior space. The transverse strut 98 has a length approximately equalto the diameter of the guidance ring 80. The lengthwise struts 100connect the transverse strut 98 with the guidance ring 80. For thispurpose, the lengthwise struts 100 extend in the direction of operationand engage the guidance ring 80 in a bearing 102 so as to pivotvertically. For this purpose, the lengthwise struts 100 are bent atright angles, if necessary, from the forward end region towards theguidance housing 108 or pillow blocks are applied to the latter thatbridge the sideways distance between the guidance housing 108 and thelengthwise struts 100. Within the space enclosed by the frame 92 in theplan view and connected to the rear side of the guidance housing 108, anejection sleeve 118 is located. This ejection sleeve 118 consists of asmall rigid frame that projects beyond the lengthwise struts 100 andprojects beyond the enclosed space when the carrier 82 is tilteddownward (see FIGS. 4 and 7). This ejection sleeve 118 prevents a smallcylindrical bale 44 from resting on the rear roll 94 even when thecarrier 82 has been tilted downward. Rather, upon the lowering of thecarrier 82, its center is moved over the roll 94 so that it rolls downfrom the carrier 82.

[0062] The roll 94 is applied to the transverse strut 98, free to rotatein pillow blocks, and extends horizontally transverse to the directionof operation of the combination 10. Hence, it is in contact with thecircumferential surface of the cylindrical bale 44 that was taken up.The roll 94 is approximately as wide as the cylindrical bale 44 and isdriven in case that the roll 38 is not driven.

[0063] The panel 96 is configured as a bow, a sheet metal shoulder orthe like, and is located on the opposite side of the frame 92 from theroll 94. The panel 96 is formed or attached in such a way that it issupported on the rear pulley 68, on its axis of rotation or the like,during corresponding positions of the conveying table 52 and the carrier82, as this is shown in FIG. 5. For this purpose, the panel 96 need notextend over the entire width of the pulley 68. The requirement of thepanel 96 is to retain the cylindrical bale 44 on the carrier 82 evenafter the conveying table 52 is again tilted forward and downward. Theposition of the panel 96 with the rear roll 68 and the pulley 94 areselected in such a way that they position the cylindrical bale 44 duringthe wrapping process centrally to the path of movement of the wrappingmaterial carrier 84.

[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the wrapping material carrier 84includes a spindle 104 and a wrapping material roll 106. In addition,and not shown, on the wrapping material carrier 84, there is also apre-loading arrangement, a cutting arrangement, and/or a contactpressure arrangement as these are known in themselves. The spindle 104is fastened in the axial direction on the ring 110, extends through theslot in the guidance housing 108, and carries the wrapping material roll106 in its outer region, free to rotate and secured axially. Thewrapping material roll 106 consists of a considerable length of wrappingmaterial wrapped onto the roll, consisting of plastic, that iscommercially available.

[0065] A third actuating arrangement 86 is also configured as ahydraulic cylinder, has its head end pivotally coupled to the guidancehousing 108, and has its rod end pivotally coupled to the underside ofthe carrier 82. As are the other actuating arrangements, the thirdactuating arrangement 86 is preferably controlled electromagnetically bymeans of an on-board computer. By means of the third actuatingarrangement 86, the carrier 82 can be brought into an intermediateposition in which it extends generally vertically to the plane of theprincipal extent of the guidance housing 108, as shown in FIG. 1, andcan be brought into a raised position, wherein it is displacedapproximately 30° upward from its intermediate position, as shown inFIG. 5. The carrier 82 can also be moved to a lowered position, whereinthe carrier 82 is used as a support for the guidance ring 80 when thelatter is detached from the baler 12. The third actuating arrangement 86may be equipped or connected with a pressure accumulator so that it candeflect under pressure in a direction, particularly a downwarddirection.

[0066] The support 88 is attached in the lower half of the guidancehousing 108. It may consist of two individual legs or struts or it mayconsist of a U-shaped bow that folds away from the plane of the guidancehousing 108 to the front and can be locked by means not shown. As can beseen, in particular from FIG. 4, the result is that the wrappingimplement 14 in the unassembled condition rests in front on the support88 and at the rear on the carrier 82 or the lengthwise struts 98 and/ortransverse struts 100.

[0067] On the basis of the foregoing description, the first embodimentoperates as follows, where in addition it should be noted that in everycase, the cylindrical bale 44 is wrapped or enclosed in net before itsrelease from the baling chamber 22, in order to maintain its compact andcylindrical shape. The combination 10 and the wrapping implement 14could operate without this wrapping or enveloping process but thequality of the bale would be worse.

[0068] The large round baler 12 can be driven individually or in thecombination 10 with the wrapping implement 14. If it is operatedindividually, only the conveyor 26 is attached that can take up thecylindrical bale 44 and deposit it on the ground, as was describedabove.

[0069] When the large round baler 12 and the wrapping implement 14 areconnected with each other, the conveyor 26 is not used to deposit thecylindrical bale 44 on the ground, but is used for its transfer to thewrapping implement 14. According to FIG. 5, the slide 60 is located inits forward, lower acceptance position for the acceptance of thefinished cylindrical bale 44 from the baling chamber 22. As soon as thecylindrical bale 44 reaches the conveying table 52, it is in contactwith the forward, further roll 74 and cannot roll down off the conveyor26 when this is conducted by means of the first actuating arrangement 56at an angle to the rear within the guidance arrangement 54. As soon asthe slide 60 has reached its rear and upper end position, the secondactuating arrangement 58 is extended so that the slide 60 tilts upwardat the front about the bearing 64 and the cylindrical bale 44 lies uponthe carrier 82. When it is lying on the carrier 82, the latter ispivoted upward at the rear through approximately 30°, and the panel 96lies on the rear roll 68 or in its region so that no troublesome gapdevelops between the conveying table 52 and the carrier 82. In thiscondition, the load carrying surfaces of the conveying table 52 and thecarrier 82 extend in the shape of a throat to each other, so that thecylindrical bale 44 is grasped securely and cannot roll down. If thethird actuating arrangement 86 interacts with a pressure accumulator,which is not necessarily required, it deflects slightly under the impactof the cylindrical bale 44, and reduces its impact somewhat. Then thecylindrical bale 44 rests on the rear roll 68 of the conveying table 52and the roll 94, where its center of gravity is located between the two.Following this, the carrier 82 is lowered into its positionperpendicular to the guidance housing 108, in which it continues to reston the roll 68 and the roll 94, as is shown in FIG. 6. In the positionaccording to FIG. 6, the roll 68 or the pulley 94 is driven so that thecylindrical bale 44 will rotate about its central cylindrical axis,extending horizontally, transverse to the direction of operation of thecombination 10. Following this, the ring 110 in the guidance housing108, is brought into rotation by means of the motor or motors 112, sothat the wrapping material carriers 84 are moved along a vertical trackabout the cylindrical bale 44 and apply foil to it in a known manner.Since this is known in itself, the application, pressing, and cutting ofthe foil will not be further explained. It can be seen that the largeround baler 12 in this position can already be operated to form a newcylindrical bale 44, although the present cylindrical bale 44 is stillbeing wrapped. During the wrapping process, the wrapping materialcarriers 84 also move through the interior space enclosed by the frame92. When the wrapping process has been completed and the foil has alsobeen separated, the third actuating arrangement 86 is retracted andthereby the carrier 82 is lowered. During the lowering of the carrier82, it retracts behind the rear edge of the ejection sleeve 118, so thatthe cylindrical bale 44 receives an additional impulse to the rear androlls over the pulley 94 out of the region of the carrier 82. Now thewrapping and depositing process is completed and a further cylindricalbale 44 can be accepted and wrapped.

[0070] The further description concerns the second embodiment whichgenerally corresponds to the first embodiment; differences exist in therepositioning of the slide 60, the conveying table 52, and in theposition of the carrier 82 during the take-up of the cylindrical bale44.

[0071] Thus, referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that in place of twoactuating arrangements 56 and 58, only a single actuating arrangement58′ is used that is connected in joints and configured as a hydraulicmotor in the same way as the second actuating arrangement 58 accordingto the first embodiment. However, the actuating arrangement 58′ isprovided with a considerably longer stroke and is preferablydouble-acting. Furthermore, a retainer 120 is attached to the slide 60,in particular, at least on one side. Finally, a locking arrangement 122is provided on the guidance housing 108.

[0072] The locking arrangement contains at least one hook 124 and alinkage 126. The same number of hooks 124 as of retainers 120 areprovided, and the hook or the hooks 124 are arranged and configured insuch a way that in each case they are able to overlap a retainer 124 ina positive lock and retain it. Each hook 124 can pivot vertically abouta bearing 128 and is provided with a hook nose 130 extending from thebearing 128 to the front and a lever 132 extending to the rear. Eachhook 124 is attached to the guidance housing 108 preferably on itsoutside, so as to pivot vertically, in particular, in such a way that itcan grasp the retainer 120 with the hook nose 130, when the wrappingimplement 14 is attached to the large round baler 12 and the slide 60 ismoved to the rear up to the stop at the guidance housing 108. Althoughthe drawing is a hook nose 130 that is open upwards, a hook-nose openingdownward could also be used.

[0073] At least one linkage 126 is provided that is configured as acompression spring in this embodiment and that is arranged between thelever 132 and an extension of the frame 92 projecting forward beyond thebearing 102. Instead of being configured as a compression spring, thelinkage could also be configured as a rod, a rope pull, an extensionspring, a rocker arm or the like. The essential thing here is that arelationship be established between the position of the hook 124 and ofthe carrier 82. It is possible that two hooks 124 are provided, but thatare controlled together, so that only one linkage 126 is required.

[0074] In contrast to the illustration of FIG. 5 for the firstembodiment, the carrier 82 is not raised when taking up a cylindricalbale 44, but remains in its generally horizontal position. However, theoperation of the actuating arrangement 86 as a shock absorber ispreferably maintained.

[0075] The operation of this second embodiment is described as follows.As soon as the cylindrical bale 44 lies upon the conveying table 52, theactuating arrangement 58′ is extended and the slide 60 moves in theguidance arrangement 54 to the rear and upward so that the cylindricalbale 44 is conveyed to the carrier 82. As soon as the slide 60 hasreached its rear end position, the hook 124 grasps the retainer 120 andholds it rigidly in this position. The actuating arrangement 58′ isextended further and the conveying table 52 pivots upward about thebearing 64, in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 10, in order todeposit the cylindrical bale 44 on the carrier 82, until it rests on thepulley 94. Following this, the actuating arrangement 58′ is eitherdrained of its pressure, so that it is lowered, or pressure is appliedto it and it retracts. As a result, the conveying table 52 is alsolowered, and except for the rear roll 68, is released from thecircumferential surface of the cylindrical bale 44. In the conditionthat now obtains and is shown in FIG. 11, the wrapping process can beperformed as in the case of the first embodiment. As soon as thewrapping process is ended and the carrier 82 is tilted to the rear anddownward, as is shown in FIG. 12, in order to deposit the cylindricalbale 44 on the ground, the extension of the carrier 82 presses on thelinkage 126, this in turn on the lever 132, and thereby the hook nose130 is lifted from the stop. The release of this positive lock now makesit possible for the actuating arrangement 58′ to be retracted completelyand to move the slide 60 with the conveying table 52 into its acceptingposition underneath the baling chamber 22, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0076] A further embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 17, whichgenerally follows the first embodiment, but is provided with anothercarrier 82′.

[0077] In contrast to the carrier 82 described so far, the carrier 82′now used is provided with only one lengthwise strut 100. For example,the strut 100 provided on the left side in the previous embodiments ismissing. The carrier 82′ is the approximate shape of a fork, whichhowever, is repositioned by means of the actuating arrangement 86 in thesame way as in the first or the second embodiment. However, the bearing102 and the actuating arrangement 86 are not provided on the guidancehousing 108, but on a sliding stand 134. The sliding stand 134 is curvedcorresponding to the guidance housing 108 and engages on its outercircumferential surface in a positive lock along a curve ofapproximately 90°. For example, an Omega or a hat profile and rollscould be provided that are used to accommodate the sliding stand 134 onthe guidance housing 108. The sliding stand 134 is moved about thecentral axis of the guidance housing 108 by means of a motor 136, whichengages in a sprocket 138 on the circumferential surface of the housing108. Instead, a rope pull, a hydraulic cylinder, an electric motor orthe like could be used, that cause at least an upward movement, whilethe downward movement is performed by the force of gravity alone.

[0078] While the wrapping operation with this carrier 82′ corresponds tothat of the other embodiments, this embodiment is provided with anotherand possibly additional deposit possibility, while the previouspossibilities using the actuating arrangement 86 remain in effect.

[0079] A further advantage of this carrier 82′ consists of the fact thatit can deposit the cylindrical bale 44 on its end face, as it is shownin FIGS. 16 and 17. This type of deposit is particularly advantageous ona slope, since there the cylindrical bale 44 cannot roll away. As can beseen, in particular, from FIG. 17, the sliding stand 134 can be pivotedabout the horizontal lengthwise axis of the wrapping implement 14 so faruntil the roll 94 and a buttress 140 located opposite them assume aninclination of approximately 45° to the ground, the buttress taking up aload only when the roll 68 of the conveying table 52 is not located inits rear end position. The buttress 140 may be a sheet metal plate, aroll, a strut or the like. In this position, the cylindrical bale 44will tilt over the lower edge of the roll 94 and the buttress 140 andland on its end face and remain lying there. Depending on theconfiguration and the size of the cylindrical bale 44, the tilting mayoccur earlier or later, with the timing in any case depending on whenthe center of gravity comes to lie to the side of the lower edge of theroll 94. As soon as the cylindrical bale 44 has been deposited and thecombination 10 has been operated past it, the carrier 82′ can be pivotedagain into its original horizontal position, in which it can accept anew cylindrical bale 44.

[0080] The fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, correspondsgenerally to the third embodiment. However, the deposit of thecylindrical bale 44 on its end face is performed in a different manner.The configuration of the large round baler 12 and the conveyor 26corresponds to that of the previous embodiments.

[0081] In contrast to the third embodiment, the carrier 82 is notfastened to a sliding stand 134, but can be pivoted about a horizontalaxis 142 extending generally in the direction of operation on which anarm 144 is supported in bearings, free to pivot.

[0082] The axis 142 engages, on the one hand, the guidance housing 108,and on the other hand, the arm 144, rigidly or movably. The axis 142 isconfigured as a steel journal or the like and is preferably orientedwith a slight inclination to the direction of operation, particularly tothe side. The axis 142 or the shaft extends to the rear past theguidance housing 108 in order to take up the arm 144, and extends to thefront in order to be connected with a lever arm 146.

[0083] The arm 144 is rigidly connected with the lengthwise strut 100and extends in a plane oriented parallel to the transverse strut 98. Thearm 144 extends very close to the guidance housing 108 and the buttress140. Between the arm 144 and the lengthwise strut 100, the thirdactuating arrangement 86 extends, which brings the carrier 82 into itstake-up and delivery position, as already described above.

[0084] The lever arm 146 extends radially from the axis 142 and isconnected at its end with a motor 136′. In the embodiment shown, thelever arm 146 extends in front of the guidance housing 108 and can berepositioned between an approximately 3 o'clock and an approximately50'clock position, as considered when viewing the wrapping implement 14from the rear.

[0085] The motor 136′ is configured as a single-acting or as adouble-acting hydraulic cylinder, that is connected at its other end tothe guidance housing 108, free to pivot. The motor 136′ is againrepositioned automatically, that is, extended or retracted, preferablyby means of an on-board computer using electromagnetic valves, notshown.

[0086] On the basis of the foregoing description, the fourth embodimentoperates as follows. The formation, the wrapping, the delivery andtransport of the cylindrical bale 44 to the carrier 82, and theenveloping of it with foil is performed in the manner describedpreviously. In this position, the motor 136′ is extended and the carrier82 with its roll 94 extend in a horizontal plane. As soon as thewrapping process is completed and the cylindrical bale 44 can bedeposited on the ground, the motor 136′ is retracted and the carrier 82tilts about or with the axis 142 in the counterclockwise direction asseen in FIG. 19, until it is inclined approximately 45° to the ground.In this position, the cylindrical bale 44 falls onto its end face. Ifthe cylindrical bale 44 is to be deposited on its circumferentialsurface, the motor 136′ remains rigid and the actuating arrangement 86is operated so that the cylindrical bale 44 reaches the ground in itsusual manner.

[0087] Having described the preferred embodiment, it will becomeapparent that various modifications can be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

1. A wrapping implement for the enveloping of a cylindrical bale with arun of enveloping material, comprising: a generally vertical guidancering; at least one wrapping material carrier projecting parallel to acentral axis of said guidance ring and being mounted for movement alongsaid guidance ring in a path concentric to a central axis of saidguidance ring; a bale carrier for holding a bale in a position whereinits central axis is disposed in a direction perpendicular to saidcentral axis of said guidance ring, and wherein a portion of acircumference of the bale extends through said guidance ring when saidbale is in a wrapping position; and said carrier including a supportroll for causing said bale to be rotated about its central axis duringwrapping of said cylindrical bale.
 2. The wrapping implement as definedin claim 1, wherein said bale carrier is attached to said guidance ringfor being pivoted vertically between a wrapping position, wherein it isdisposed parallel to said central axis of said ring, and a lowered baledischarge position; and an actuating device being coupled between saidcarrier and said guidance ring for selectively pivoting said balecarrier between said wrapping and discharge positions.
 3. The wrappingimplement as defined in claim 2, and further including a support mountedto said guidance ring in a position wherein it cooperates with said balecarrier for supporting said guidance ring, in a parked position on theground, against tilting from an approximate vertical orientation.
 4. Thewrapping implement, as defined by claim 1 wherein said bale carrier islocated adjacent a location in a lower third of said guidance ring; anda buttress spanning guidance ring at a location at an opposite side ofsaid bale carrier from said support roll.
 5. The wrapping implement, asdefined in claim 1, wherein a wrapping material support ring is mountedin said guidance ring for rotation about said central axis of saidguidance ring; and a motor being mounted to said ring and coupled fordriving said wrapping material support ring; and said at least onewrapping material carrier having an end mounted to said support ring. 6.The wrapping implement, as defined in claim 1, wherein said bale carrieris provided with a frame having an interior space through which thewrapping material carrier can be moved during the wrapping operation. 7.The wrapping implement, as defined in claim 1, wherein positive lockingelements are mounted to said guidance ring so as to provide for thequick connection with a carrying implement.
 8. The wrapping implement,as defined in claim 1, wherein said bale carrier is mounted to saidguidance ring for movement along a segment of a periphery of saidguidance ring between a first position, wherein a bale resting on saidcarrier has its central axis disposed horizontally, and a secondposition, wherein said bale is disposed for being deposited on an endthereof; and a carrier actuator being coupled between said guidance ringand said carrier for selectively moving the latter between said firstand second positions.
 9. The wrapping implement, as defined in claim 2,and further including an ejection sleeve mounted to said guidance ringat a location for engaging a bale being discharged from said balecarrier and aiding the movement of the bale over said support roll, whenthe bale carrier is moved to said discharge position.
 10. A wrappingimplement, as defined in claim 2, wherein said bale carrier actuatorincludes structure which permits it to serve as a shock absorber,thereby cushioning any impact that might result when loading a bale ontosaid bale carrier.
 11. A wrapping implement, as defined in claim 1,wherein said bale carrier is mounted to said guidance ring for pivotingvertically about an axis that extends parallel to said central axis ofsaid guidance ring.